Page 244 - Eye of the beholder

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The solitary tree on the left and the open spaces allow for a guided visual path. The left part of the painting is very energetic with different types and sizes of ships and boats on the water sailing close to the shore for embarkation. The waterscape is busy with many activities and in the distance on the horizon can be seen the faint outlines of buildings. Along the shore are palanquin bearers who have brought their human cargo which has been unloaded and are either resting or waiting for the next ride to be taken. A little distance away further down the shore can be seen an English couple shielded from the bright and hot sun by a parasol that has a royal character. Closer to the tree almost in the middle distance is another palanquin perhaps carrying the English guest inside considering the parasol carried by one of the attendees. The buildings at the extreme right could be the official administrative structures. Adjacent to the tree is a small tent with green and white stripes, two goats frolicking close by and a man lighting the fire on which a pot is placed, perhaps cooking rice.
The light in the aquatint is bright and intense as it languorously plays over the waters, the ships, boats, human forms and animals. Though it conveys an air of busy activities, there is yet a sense of quietitude that prevails. The posture of the standing man holding the parasol next to the Englishman has resonance to Renaissance artists. But the workers as they rest have a typical posture seated cross legged or relaxing with outstretched legs. There is a subtle balance that can be noticed between activity and relaxation. The palanquin is interestingly delineated not royal in character as it is simply designed and made out of wood with its roof, which could be the material of water proof tarpaulin. The ground is represented in detail depicting the colours of the river shore sand, with tints of pinks and greys.
The attractive feature of the print in terms of its varied representation of forms is the ship that has been detailed to be accurate in its size, form and function. The sails are delicately delineated contrasting with the heavy wood work manifesting the main body. The scale of the ship can be realized from the small fishing boats buzzing close by. The execution of the drawing is not only masterly; but rendered with utter confidence and fidelity to appearance. The effect produced was not only striking revealing the facility of their fluid skills in drawing as well as masterly control in water colour painting. In looking at it, one almost feels the warmth of an Indian sky; the water seems to be in actual motion.